Boxing back in Fort Worth

By Jeff Zimmerman

Paulie Ayala Productions, led by former World Champion Paulie Ayala, kicks off its Friday Night Fight Series this Friday, October 19th at the state of the art Cendera Center in Fort Worth. The main event features the hard-hitting Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (6-0, 5KOs) against tough veteran Don Mouton (11-4-1, 9KOs) in a super middleweight battle.

A couple of notables on this diverse card include a former UFC fighter and a former amateur standout.

Will Campuzano will fight for the 2nd time as a pro boxer, even though he still remains active in MMA. Campuzano heads back to the cage in December. Fort Worth native and former 2X National Champion Tony Lopez will make his long awaited pro debut after compiling a 64-3 record as an amateur.

The star of the night, though, is Clarkson. And this will be a big test for Clarkson if he is to show he is ready for the next level of fighters. Although he stopped Brandon Singleton in the 2nd round of his last fight, it wasn’t before Singleton temporarily hurt him. Clarkson will definitely have to be ready for the big, strong Mouton, who has clearly faced stiffer competition in his career. Clarkson has a star quality to him and if he can continue to deliver in the ring, he has a bright future ahead.

One of Ayala’s prize prospects is Manuel “The Punisher” Rojas (6-0, 2KO) who will be featured in the co-main event. He will face knockout artist Pedro Torres (6-4-2, 5KO) in a 4 round Lightweight battle.

Maple Ave Boxing Gym’s Light Welterweight Maurice Hooker (5-0-1, 4KO) is ready to step up his game and fight the always dangerous TBA in a 4 rounder. Hooker is coming off an impressive devastating KO victory at Ayala’s last event.

Local fan favorite Welterweight John Vera (2-0, 2KO) will go for his 3rd win in as many fights as he takes on undefeated Amos Davis (1-0) in a 4 round affair.

Campuzano (0-1) will face the pro debut of Evilio Perez for 4 rounds.

Former amateur combatants will make their pro debut against each other when Oscar Armendariz battles Ladez Jones. They will square off in a 4 round tussle.

After his stellar amateur career, Lopez will now open the show for his hometown fans of Fort Worth . He will fight Quinice Wesby (1-2) in a scheduled four rounder.

The doors open at 6:00 and the first fight is at 7:30.

The ticket prices are $20 for general admission, $30 for the 1st 2 rows and tables of 8 for $50 per seat that includes a cocktail waitress all night. Go online to www.cenderacenter.com to buy your tickets.

Weigh-ins will take place Thursday, October 18th at 4:00 at the Cendera Center.